And did you read the entire article?
There was also a notable increase in large organizations with significant or moderate plans to automate more IT processes and controls. In 2014, 40% of large company respondents reported having significant or moderate automation plans; this year, 58% describe their automation plans as significant.
While costs may be higher, survey respondents. especially those from large companies, seem to feel SOX compliance has improved significantly or moderately the relability of their financial reporting.
“Although the way [SOX] is adhered to, audited, and regulated continues to change, most companies are investing in the resources and intelligence necessary to adapt to these changes in an effective and cost-efficient manner,” the report concludes.
“And more and more organizations are focused on driving long-term value out of their SOX compliance efforts.”
Automation changes will bring down costs, and full compliance will undoubtedly make certified audits less costly. And I will say it again, SOX will stop companies from using the same firm that does their general accounting to do certified audits, which is compliant with GAAS, and will get rid of the conflict of interest which has corrupted a number of companies.